Lot
283

John Lennon And Yoko Ono

Price realisedUSD 2,500

EstimateUSD 5,000 - USD 6,000

This lot is offered without a reserve

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John Lennon And Yoko Ono
A recording of an interview conducted by Howard Smith, for the progressive NY radio station WPLJ, on the telephone over the course of two days during John and Yoko's Bed-In-For-Peace at the Hotel La Reine Elizabeth, Montreal, Canada between 26th May - 2nd June, 1969; the interview initially took place on the 3rd day of the Bed-In on the 28th May and ran for approx. 20mins it was conducted mostly with John but also with Yoko; and on the following day just with Lennon for approx. 10mins.To be sold with copyright

Whilst the seller confirms that this property is sold with copyright, Christie's can accept no liability in relation to any matters arising as result of any imperfection in copyright given

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Lot essay

Following their first Bed-In event in Amsterdam after their marriage in Gibraltar, John and Yoko decided to capitalize on the wave of publicity and hold a second Bed-In. Having had their application for a U.S. visa rejected, they flew to the Bahamas on the 16th May, but quickly realised the humid temperature of 86 degrees wasn't compatible with a week in bed. They flew to Canada and arrived in Montreal on the 26th May. They held court in Suite 1742 at the Hotel La Reine Elizabeth, Montreal, Canada conducting their propaganda for peace on the radio, tv and on the phone as John describes it in this interview: ...a continuous stream of happy smiling press...from 10 in the morning to 10 at night...

In this interview with Howard Smith Lennon explained that by conducting this Bed-In, their aim was to inspire people to think of different ways to do something to change the world. He discussed the background to their acorn sculptures and their desire to reach world leaders with their message. He answered questions about the other Beatles reaction to his campaign, and how his image might be construed as a conflict to his credibility by "the squares..". Both John and Yoko discuss Smith's concerns that their message was only reaching the converted, and explain their philosophy behind the Bed-Ins. Lennon's answers cover a wide range of subjects from explanations of the The Ballad of John and Yoko and rebuttles of Smith's attempts to categorise him as a leader. He gives the background to his recent involvement with Allen Klein and discusses his current drug use. He expounds on the virtues of their macrobiotic diet and discusses recent and forthcoming film, book and music projects.